Home is the place you can be yourself in your wildest dreams because home is where we create who we want to become. This is the overarching theme of this week’s conversation with Carla Morano of the wallpaper and mural company, Fine & Dandy Co. Take some risks in putting yourself out there, visually, visibly throughout your home, and don’t worry so much about rules, or what other people think, whether or not things “go” together. Oh, and we talk about wallpaper, too!

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I sat down with Bo Shepard and Kyle Dubé, the founders of Woodward Throwbacks and authors of the new book “Throwbacks Home Interiors”. They share their journey from salvaging materials in Detroit to creating unique furniture pieces with a story. We also explored the philosophy of Slow Style, the importance of trial and error, and how individual pieces can inspire entire rooms. The duo describes how economic downturns led to an abundance of materials for their projects and emphasizes the significance of adaptive reuse in modern home design. We also spoke about the importance of community, preserving historical materials, and contributing to Detroit's revitalization.

In this episode, and a Slow Style Home Podcast first, I had a conversation with one of our listeners, Lisa, about a common design dilemma - choosing the right rug. Specifically, how to choose a rug to go underneath the dining table.

In this episode I welcomed back artist, collector, and shop owner Sean Scherer, to talk about his 2nd book, Sean Scherer’s Vignettes. He shared why he loves certain objects, how he chooses them, and his process behind crafting vignettes to tell a story. We also explored the role of vignettes in creating a sense of belonging in one's home.

In this episode, I talk with Elizabeth and Ethan Finkelstein, the creators of the popular Instagram account Cheap Old Houses. During the interview, they shared insights about their inspiration for the account, their thoughts on the American dream, the value of renovating old homes slowly, and the significance of preserving everyday American homes. They also discussed their own experiences with their historic home and their unique interior design approach, as well as the educational aspects of their book.

In this episode I walk you through our new 'Fix My Room' quiz, aimed at helping you assess and enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your rooms. I address four main pitfalls: not applying basic design rules, managing clutter, lacking a specific vision for the room, and lacking design confidence. At the end of the quiz, you’ll know which pitfall is the one you’ve fallen into and why it’s so important to start by addressing that one, before doing anything else. Additionally, I share info on our monthly membership program, the 'Slow Style Society,' as a resource for personalized help and community support with your home!

In this episode, I have a fun conversation with Bilal Rehman, a 23 year old designer making waves in the industry. We discussed the importance of creating personalized spaces that reflect a person's unique style and needs. Bilal shared insights on lighting, mixing metals, and incorporating cultural artifacts. And true to form, Bilal didn’t shy away from sharing his honest opinions on what’s going on in design today!

In this episode, I talk about the concepts of minimalism and maximalism. I share my personal experience with decluttering and the conflicting emotions I feel as someone who loves collecting things but also craves simplicity. Throughout the episode, I challenge the traditional definitions of these two styles, exploring the possibility of being both a maximalist and a minimalist. I emphasize the importance of intentional curation and finding balance in one's home. Ultimately, I encourage listeners to define their own style and embrace a mindful approach to their belongings.

During our insightful discussion on the podcast, Dana Che continually emphasized the concept of a "win-win" mentality while dealing with home-related conflicts among couples. Rather than trying to make one partner conform to the other's preferences, Dana offered strategies that encourage understanding, compromise, and finding mutual ground.

Dana expertly pointed out that navigating home decor conflict is not just about overcoming disagreements over furniture, pull-overs, or wall paint. It's more of a deeper issue that includes respecting each other's preferences. In dealing with disagreements over TV placements, chores or aesthetic choices, the idea is not to find a winner but to create a solution that pleases both parties.

She offered unique suggestions that encourage a "win-win" scenario in all aspects. For instance, if one partner prefers a dark room for nightly events while the other partner prefers a bright and lively room, she suggests solutions like blackout curtains that can cater to both preferences.

This "win-win" approach fosters respect and harmony in the relationship. It reinforces the idea that understanding and compromise are crucial for a peaceful living environment. Dana's conversation starters provide another tool to initiate these necessary discussions for couples. Through her advice, it's apparent that when both partners feel heard and respected, the home becomes a peaceful place where everyone's preferences are acknowledged and respected.

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I have a delightful conversation with designer Chad Graci. We discuss defining personal style, blending different styles, and the importance of balance in design. Chad shares his eclectic approach, influenced by travel and a mix of old and new elements. We explore merging styles in our own homes and the importance of investing in quality pieces. We touch on the big impact of tiny design rules like the significance of lighting and paying attention to lampshades. Lastly, we talk about the exciting connectivity and access to the design world through platforms like Instagram. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on the Slow Style Home podcast.

My guest is Lyndsay Caleo Karol, co-founder of The Brooklyn Home Company and co-author of their new book, also called “The Brooklyn Home.” Theirs is a truly unique design/build firm with a distinctive style, drawing inspiration from historical classical architecture, along with the concept of Passive House building. We also dive into the concept of "exchange" in their work, which refers to the interplay between materials, texture, and architecture, as well as the exchange of conversation and connection between the space and the people who inhabit it. I love the way Lyndsay thinks about design as well as the work that The Brooklyn Home Company is producing. I highly encourage you to check out the show notes page of our website, slowstylehome.com to see the gorgeous photos.

How do you show up in your home? Would I know something about you just by looking around your rooms? In this episode I discuss the importance of aligning our homes with our personalities, passions, values, and what energizes us. I provide prompts and examples to help you assess how you are currently showing up in your home and suggest ways to make your home more reflective of who you are. This not only means you’ll have a home that’s unlike anyone else’s, you’ll have a home that supports your goals and who you want to become.

Anitra Terrell's journey into the world of African art and textiles began during her time as a Fulbright scholar in Ghana. Her passion for authentic African art and culture, rooted in her upbringing in culturally rich Philadelphia, eventually led her to create her own business, Reflektion Design, a business that celebrates the beauty and authenticity of African art. Anitra's narrative is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one's heritage through handmade objects.

In this episode, we'll be joined by the authors of the book, "The Maine House." If you've ever dreamed of what a perfect beach cottage, lake house, or home in the woods would feel and look like, you're going to absolutely love this conversation. Maura McEvoy, Basha Burwell, and Kathleen Hackett will take us on a journey through the stunning homes and breathtaking landscapes of Maine.

Over a year ago, I talked with Tracy McCubbin of DClutterfly and author of the book, “Make Space for Happiness, How to Stop Attracting Clutter and Start Magnetizing the Life You Want.” As you listen to her wise words of advice about how we’ve been trying to shop our way out of unhappiness and disappointment and feelings of insecurity, keep in mind the holiday season. How might we apply her wisdom at tender time of year.

Ashley Hanley describes her style as collected and not overly decorated, and I also want to point out her attention to detail. I really encourage you to check out the show notes page of this episode to see photos of her work where I share my own thoughts on how she uses different details throughout a home as a way of decorating with intention.

In the 1930s, a design collective of mostly women produced textiles and wallpaper using their own block printed methods. They called themselves the Folly Cove Designers and became a powerhouse in the Americana design movement. Their commitment to high quality craftsmanship was an antidote to highly mechanized, mass produced goods and their legacy is still alive today.

Sarah Solis is an expert in creating emotionally impactful spaces. Her design philosophy, influenced by the Wabi Sabi aesthetic, embraces the concept of understated luxury and celebrates the beauty of imperfections. Sarah's goal is to design homes that make people feel something, whether it's a sense of comfort, excitement, or nostalgia. With her keen eye for texture and her understanding of how light plays a crucial role in design, Sarah creates visually captivating spaces that leave a lasting impression. She skillfully combines high-end elements with more affordable finds, creating a balance that evokes a sense of intimacy and personal connection to the space.

Today is all about art.  I think art is the one aspect of a home that’s critical to creating your signature style, and it’s probably obvious why.  There is nothing that reflects who you are as deeply as what you choose to hang on your walls.  My guest today is Rachel Loos, author of the book “Art At Home,” where you’ll find both practical information about finding, purchasing and hanging art, as well as inspiration from homes that are filled with it.  Rachel has taken something that is completely subjective in terms of taste and appeal and made it make a bit more sense in terms of how we might all become collectors according to our own personal narratives. 

My guest today is Lucy Hunter, and she happens to be very lucky, I think, to have that last name because it’s so fitting to her personality. She is, first and foremost, a landscape designer, and she’s also a floral designer, or an artist who uses flowers, really, and it seems she does all of this by hunting in nature for her inspiration, seeking out the beauty in imperfection that mother nature does so well. Today we’re talking about her second book, called The Flower Hunter, and it’s a wonderful conversation about life and creativity and self reflection and creating an environment that perfectly suits who you are. You’ll learn as much about design principles as you will about how to follow beauty through its lifespan.